Linda’s Story: Finding Strength and Self-Worth While Living with Systemic Sclerosis

I am Linda, a systemic sclerosis warrior. Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to excessive collagen production and fibrosis, which is scarring of the skin and internal organs.

My journey started with skin thickening and tightening. I assumed it was the skincare products I was using, the soap and body creams, so I changed them. My skin continued to lose its pigmentation (colour), causing white patches on my face, elbows, toes, and the backs of my palms. This made me look aged.

My skin kept changing, and quickly moved from bad to worse. The pain that came with it was unbearable. I lost relationships, and the stigmatization, especially from friends, was very heartbreaking. Friends I used to eat and hang with started to avoid me. This deeply affected my self esteem and eventually caused me to lose confidence in myself.

The financial burden was overwhelming because I was desperate for a solution. I tried almost anything anyone suggested, consuming all manner of hopeful cures and procedures, none worked. They didn’t know exactly what was wrong with me.

I was finally diagnosed in 2019. At last, relief came because now my condition had a name. Now accepting the diagnosis was challenging, this had no cure, it could get worse. COULD IT GET WORSE!

It was very frustrating to step out and have people stare at me or make fun of me because of how I looked. It hurt deeply when people saw me and the first thing they said was “Eissh!” To avoid the attention and embarrassment, I chose not to go out at all.

I’ve had an episode where a person refused to shake my hand, clearly looking uncomfortable which made me feel very less than human. I felt I must be repulsive.

With time, a psychologist helped me accept the new me, and I began making changes in how I dressed to suit my condition. My family and a few genuine friends have helped me maintain my joy despite everything. I apply makeup whenever I go out, and I wear long sleeves and skirts with pockets to hide my fingers.

The Word of God in 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore, we do not give up. Even if the person we are on the outside is wasting away, the person we are on the inside is being renewed day by day. For our momentary and light tribulations"

This encouraging scripture keeps me going and helps me focus more on my inner beauty than my outer appearance.

Real queens like me turn sorrow into joy. That’s what I am doing everyday. Holding my head up.